Even before Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 9, there were rumors that the company wanted to replace its leather accessories with something else. I was a bit skeptical about this since I’ve always been a fan of Apple Watch leather bands. In September, Apple announced the new FineWoven accessories. Now, I’ve finally decided to try the FineWoven Apple Watch band. Is it better than the leather band?
Apple’s FineWoven accessories
By now, most people who read 9to5Mac are probably familiar with FineWoven. Apple describes the material as a “luxurious and durable microtwill.” At least when it comes to iPhone cases, FineWoven hasn’t gone down well with some consumers. The material seems too fragile for a phone case that is always in contact with sweaty hands and dirty surfaces.
In fact, this isn’t my first time trying out a FineWoven accessory. I bought a blue FineWoven case for my iPhone 15 Pro Max. It was beautiful, and the material was so soft and felt really pleasant to touch. However, two weeks later, my case already had some dirt stains and scratches that seemed irreversible – so I returned the case to Apple.
According to multiple reports, many other people have decided to return their FineWoven cases, and some retail stores are not even restocking the product. But I still wanted to know what it was like to use a FineWoven band for the Apple Watch, so I bought the “Taupe” model, which is a dark brown color.
My thoughts on the FineWoven Apple Watch band
I have to admit, this band looks nice and elegant at first glance. The brown color goes very well with my gold stainless steel Apple Watch. The design is essentially the same as the Leather Link bands – I have a dark purple one, and I love it. The FineWoven band is also very comfortable to wear, and I feel I could wear it on more occasions than the leather band.
But as I’ve been using the FineWoven band for the last few days, I now have some concerns about it.
Leather definitely seems a more premium material than FineWoven. Apple choosing to discontinue leather products wasn’t a problem, but FineWoven accessories shouldn’t cost the same as the old leather ones. It’s hard to argue in favor of a fabric watch band that costs $99.
As for durability, there’s not much I can say at the moment, as I’ve only been wearing this band for a few days. I’m afraid it could easily become smudged in a few weeks, but I hope not. Some people have said that FineWoven bands are a bit more durable than iPhone cases. I’d love to believe that.
It’s not worth the price
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I got the taupe Fine Woven band with my AW9 that I just got a couple weeks back. I experienced the same loosening of the band. It would loosen up whenever I would rotate my forearm. I’m rather active, and found I had to adjust the band multiple times per hour due to this loosening. Total deal breaker for me.
I went back to the Apple Store and returned it for a different band (Sport Loop). I loved the look and feel of the Fine Woven band, but I honestly think it would have loosened to the point of falling off my wrist if I wasn’t constantly adjusting it.
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There’s one thing that really annoys me about this band. It sometimes suddenly loosens when I move my arm, something that never happened with the leather version. I thought there could be something wrong with the unit I bought, but I found similar complaints on the web (here, here, and here).
I’m still not sure if the magnets used in the FineWoven version are weaker or if the material is more slippery, but the fact is that I constantly have to readjust the band on my wrist, especially when I’m wearing a heavy coat. Again, this is not the kind of thing I was expecting from a $99 watch band.
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Leather definitely seems a more premium material than FineWoven. Apple choosing to discontinue leather products wasn't a problem, but FineWoven accessories shouldn't cost the same as the old leather ones. It's hard to argue in favor of a fabric watch band that costs $99.
So thin you might even forget you're wearing it, the Bifeiyo Sport Nylon Loop Strap is the most comfortable Apple Watch band we've found. It ditches the usual metal buckle for a hook-and-loop closure, creating a lightweight strap that's highly adjustable.
The Apple Watch Solo Loop is the best Apple Watch band for anyone who needs something sporty but stylish. Unlike most Apple Watch bands, it has no clasp or other closure — it's designed to stretch over your hand, yet fit snug on your wrist.
(FineWoven is made from 68 percent post-consumer recycled content, and according to the company has “significantly lower emissions compared to the more carbon-intensive leather.”) But if you intend to keep your phone for more than a year, you might be better off with something that won't look like a toddler has been ...
They're a timeless material that works wonders in improving the overall look of any of the best Apple Watch models. Our favorites include the Bellroy Leather Watch Band; it features a combination of premium leather on top and a textured polymer underside that helps avoid sweat build-up.
Before you buy a new band for your watch, make sure that you use a band that corresponds to your Apple Watch case size. You can use a band that's designed for Apple Watch (1st generation) and Apple Watch Series 1, 2, and 3 with Apple Watch Series 4 and later and Apple Watch SE as long as the sizes are compatible.
Silicone is soft and comfortable against the skin, and it's an easy-to-clean material, making silicone watch bands ideal for swimming and sweaty sports.
When exercising, you'll want to pick a silicone or fluoroelastomer (similar to rubber) band, like the Withit Silicone Keeperless Band or the Apple Sport Band, as the materials are soft, water resistant, and won't wear down after consistent sweat sessions.
If you value a band that feels like a second skin, Solo Loop is the answer. The Sport Band's pin-and-tuck closure allows for a secure and adjustable fit. If you prefer a band that stays in place during intense activities and provides flexibility in adjustment, the Sport Band is the choice for you.
The “FineWoven” cases are bad. Well, that's not fair. They're not bad bad, but they are bad relative to expectations for Apple products. And they're worse than both the leather cases that preceded them and the silicone variety which not only still exist, but are cheaper.
The sides feel like a slightly compressed polyester, with a slightly smoother texture than the outgoing Leather options. Apple referring to the texture as 'suede-like' is apt; it feels smooth & soft, but unlike a material like silk, the texture can feel a bit fuzzy on the fingers.
FineWoven is a microtwill material that Apple says is constructed from 68 percent post-consumer recycled material. It has a suede-like feel, and its use in Apple Watch bands is complemented by Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle closures.
Leather is not as water-resistant as metal, making it less suitable for activities that expose it to a lot of moisture. Over time, exposure to water can deteriorate the quality of the leather. Additionally, leather straps require more care and maintenance than metal or rubber straps.
Excessive moisture - Water, or even excessive sweating, will damage your leather strap, causing it to weaken, stain, and smell. It is best to keep leather straps away from moisture and to not wear them in areas such as the shower or swimming pool, or whilst exercising.
Wearing your Apple Watch with the right fit — not too tight, not too loose, and with room for your skin to breathe — keeps you comfortable and lets the sensors do their jobs. You might want to tighten your Apple Watch band for workouts, then loosen it a bit when you're finished.
I tried all of the official ones and a few from third party sellers and by far far the most comfortable one is the new trail loop. I've been a fan of the sport loops because in my opinion they are the most comfortable, until now, the trail loop is even better. It's more flexible, breathable and soft.
I bought this for Apple Watch Ultra 2. Very high quality, comfortable, the magnet is strong. Overall, happy with the purchase. It's an amazing band and I have no major issues with it and it looks great.
Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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